Braves Fans Litter Field With Cups And Bottles After Controversial Call

The baseball playoffs got off to a rocky start after a controversial call may have cost the Braves an opportunity to come from behind in their one-game playoff. The game then descended into chaos as fans littered the field with cups and bottles causing an extended delay.

It all started in the eighth inning with the Cardinals leading by three. That's when a pop-up to shallow left field was dropped and appeared to leave the Braves with the bases loaded and just one out. However, one umpire applied the Infield Fly Rule, a rule that is designed to protect the offense from an infielder intentionally dropping a pop-up and turning an easy double play.

One huge problem here is that the call was made by the umpire in left field who appeared to be fooled by the fielder holding his arms up as if it were going to be an easy catch. Outfield umpires are only used during postseason play. If Major League Baseball used more instant replay to rule on fair/foul and catch/no catch, the outfield umpires would not be necessary.

The Braves went on to lose the game, ending their season. The play was protested by the Braves, however, the protest was denied by Major League Baseball. Here's the play (via TBS Sports)...